Overview

LLS fellows learn through on-the-job experience, classroom instruction, case studies, exercises, and e-learning. LLS fellows:

• Begin training in July with an intensive, one-month orientation in Atlanta, Georgia
• Obtain education through hands-on activities under mentorship and guidance from CDC laboratory supervisors
• Apply public health laboratory competencies—particularly those focused on biosafety, quality management systems, and management and leadership—as they approach real world public health scenarios
• Present findings from investigations and studies during regular seminars and annual conferences
• Share training, conduct investigations, and network with EIS officers and other CDC fellows throughout their fellowship

LLS fellows provide on-the-job service to CDC and state and local public health laboratories as they:

• Design, implement, or evaluate public health laboratory biosafety practices and quality management systems
• Conduct cutting-edge applied public health laboratory research (e.g., evaluate new diagnostic tests or apply bioinformatics to analyze complex laboratory data)
• Conduct laboratory components of public health investigations
• Respond to emerging public health threats
• May study infectious and chronic diseases, environmental and occupational health threats, birth defects, and developmental disabilities

LLS fellows may have the opportunity to participate in a Lab-Aid. A Lab-Aid provides rapid, short-term laboratory assistance to state, local, and federal partners to address urgent public health laboratory concerns. A Lab-Aid may:

• Provide laboratory services during an outbreak investigation or technical assistance related to quality management systems or laboratory safety
• Focus on biosafety or quality management systems, or on the laboratory aspects of public health investigations.